The Pope and Yell County Single Parent Scholarship Fund recently announced the application deadline for the Spring 2012 scholarships of Jan. 15. The fund’s board of directors will begin interviewing applicants in late January and scholarships will be awarded soon after.

Justin Keller, executive director of the scholarship fund, said the scholarship is unique in that it can be used to pay for virtually anything.

“The good thing about it is it’s not just for traditional education expenses. The funds can be used for anything that’s going to help them obtain a degree — child care, paying electricity or other utilities, keeping gas in the car to get to and from school — whatever.”

Keller pointed out even though the majority of recipients are female, the scholarship is open to any single parent who meets the qualifications, regardless of gender.

“Last year, we actually had two male recipients,” Keller said.

To qualify for the scholarship, an applicant must be a single parent with custodial care of children under the age of 18, be a resident of either Pope or Yell County, be enrolled in a career-directed course of study at an accredited institution of higher learning or vocational school, as well as other requirements.

The organization, which will mark its 20th anniversary in 2012, awarded its largest number of scholarship since its inception — 76 scholarships totaling $53,800.

“2011 was our biggest year since we began on both counts — most scholarships awarded and amount of assistance,” Keller said. “This year, we’re marking 20 years of helping single parents obtain an education, and we’re looking forward to continuing success helping improve more lives of those in the community.”

For applications and a full list of eligibility requirements, contact Executive Director Justin Keller at 313-3151, go online to www.aspsf.org/county_pope-yell.html, or email the Scholarship Fund at pycspsf@gmail.com.